Displaying items by tag: Kamchatka earthquake
Waves reach US west coast after Russian earthquake as Japan lifts tsunami warnings
One of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, registering a magnitude of 8.8. Occurring in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the quake triggered tsunami warnings across Japan, Hawaii, the U.S. West Coast, and other Pacific nations, prompting evacuations of over two million people. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. Kamchatka, known for seismic activity, experienced intense tremors, causing panic and damaging buildings. Tsunami waves exceeding 5 meters struck Severo-Kurilsk, flooding ports and sweeping away boats. A volcano on Kamchatka also began erupting after the quake. In Peru, over half of Pacific ports were closed as a precaution. Videos from the region showed calm heroism in hospitals during surgeries and chaos as residents fled in fear. Though the most severe threats have passed, aftershocks are expected. Authorities have urged vigilance, and emergency services remain on high alert. This event underscores the vulnerability of nations situated on seismic fault lines and the need for preparedness and compassion in times of natural disaster.